EP3276446B1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: EP3276446B1
Application number: EP17189797.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Manjit Singh Gill; Thomas Kevin Collopy; Ronald J. Tessitore
Original assignee: Qualcomm Inc
Current assignee: Qualcomm Inc
Priority date: 2009-03-27
Filing date: 2010-02-17
Publication date: 2025-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-17
Also published as: CN102362237B; WO2010110962A2; KR20110134495A; JP2012522288A; EP3276446A1; EP2411887A4; EP2411887A2; US20100251243A1; WO2010110962A3; CN102362237A; JP5568627B2; KR101350019B1

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61/164,146, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING THE EXECUTION OF APPLICATIONS AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed on March 27, 2009.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the portable computing devices, and more particularly, to portable computing device docking stations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Portable computing devices (PCDs) are ubiquitous. These devices may include cellular telephones, portable digital assistants (PDAs), portable game consoles, palmtop computers, and other portable electronic devices. As technology increases, PCDs are becoming increasingly powerful and rival laptop computers and desktop computers in computing power and storage capabilities.
One drawback to using a PCD, however, is the small form factor typically associated therewith. As the PCD gets smaller and is made more easily portable, using the PCD may become increasingly difficult. Further, the small form factor of a PCD may limit the amount of ports, or connections, that may be incorporated in the shell, or housing, of the PCD. As such, even as PCDs become more powerful and have increased capabilities, access to the power and capabilities may be limited by the sizes of the PCDs.
Accordingly, what is needed is an improved for system and method for taking advantage of the computing capabilities provided by a PCD.
Prior art devices are disclosed inUS 5 925 117 A,US 2008/253079 A1,US 2009/037825 A1 andWO 2006/110894 A1.
The invention is defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated.

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a portable computing device (PCD) in a closed position;
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a PCD in an open position;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a PCD;
FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a PCD;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a first aspect of a PCD;
FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;
FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;
FIG. 8 is a first side plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;
FIG. 9 is a second side plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;
FIG. 10 a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration;
FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith;
FIG. 12 is a side plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;
FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration;
FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD partially docked therewith;
FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith;
FIG. 16 is a side plan view of a third aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;
FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a third aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD partially docked therewith;
FIG. 18 is a side plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;
FIG. 19 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;
FIG. 20 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;
FIG. 21 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith;
FIG. 22 is a side plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith;
FIG. 23 is a side plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in a closed configuration;
FIG. 24 is a front plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;
FIG. 25 is a front plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position and with a PCD docked therewith;
FIG. 26 is a front plan view of a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration;
FIG. 27 is a front plan view of a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station in an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith;
FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a first aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system;
FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a second aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system;
FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a third aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system;
FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a fourth aspect of a PCD/PCD docking station system;
FIG. 32 is a block diagram of a second aspect of a PCD;
FIG. 33 is a first portion of a flow chart illustrating a first method of managing application versions within a PCD and a PCD docking station;
FIG. 34 is a second portion of a flow chart illustrating a first method of managing application versions within a PCD and a PCD docking station;
FIG. 35 is a first portion of a flow chart illustrating a second method of managing application versions within a PCD and a PCD docking station; and
FIG. 36 is a second portion of a flow chart illustrating a second method of managing application versions within a PCD and a PCD docking station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.
In this description, the term "application" may also include files having executable content, such as: object code, scripts, byte code, markup language files, and patches.
The term "content" may also include files having executable content, such as: object code, scripts, byte code, markup language files, and patches. In addition, "content" referred to herein, may also include files that are not executable in nature, such as documents that may need to be opened or other data files that need to be accessed.
As used in this description, the terms "component," "database," "module," "system," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device may be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components may execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal).
Referring initially toFIG. 1 through FIG. 4, an exemplary portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated 100. As shown, thePCD 100 may include ahousing 102. Thehousing 102 may include anupper housing portion 104 and alower housing portion 106.FIG. 1 shows that theupper housing portion 104 may include adisplay 108. In a particular aspect, thedisplay 108 may be a touchscreen display. Theupper housing portion 104 may also include atrackball input device 110. Further, as shown inFIG. 1, theupper housing portion 104 may include a power onbutton 112 and a power offbutton 114. As shown inFIG. 1, theupper housing portion 104 of thePCD 100 may include a plurality ofindicator lights 116 and aspeaker 118. Each indicator light 116 may be a light emitting diode (LED).
In a particular aspect, as depicted inFIG. 2, theupper housing portion 104 is movable relative to thelower housing portion 106. Specifically, theupper housing portion 104 may be slidable relative to thelower housing portion 106. As shown inFIG. 2, thelower housing portion 106 may include amulti-button keyboard 120. In a particular aspect, themulti-button keyboard 120 may be a QWERTY keyboard. Themulti-button keyboard 120 may be revealed when theupper housing portion 104 is moved relative to thelower housing portion 106.FIG. 2 further illustrates that thePCD 100 may include areset button 122 on thelower housing portion 106.FIG. 2 also illustrates a first plurality of user interface objects 124 displayed at thedisplay 108 of thePCD 100.
As shown inFIG. 3, thePCD 100 may include amulti-pin connector array 130 established, or otherwise disposed, in a short end of thePCD 100, e.g., a bottom of thePCD 100. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 4, thePCD 100 may include amulti-pin connector array 132 established, or otherwise disposed, in a long end of thePCD 100, e.g., a left side of thePCD 100 or a right side of thePCD 100. In a particular aspect, themulti-pin connector array 130, 132 may provide connectivity between thePCD 100 and an aspect of a PCD docking station, described in detail below.
Referring toFIG. 5, an exemplary, non-limiting aspect of a portable computing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated 520. As shown, thePCD 520 includes an on-chip system 522 that includes adigital signal processor 524 and ananalog signal processor 526 that are coupled together. The on-chip system 522 may include more than two processors. For example, the on-chip system 522 may include four core processors and anARM 11 processor, i.e., as described below in conjunction withFIG. 32. It may be appreciated that the on-chip system 522 may include other types of processors, e.g., a CPU, a multi-core CPU, a multi-core DSP, a GPU, a multi-core GPU, or any combination thereof.
As illustrated inFIG. 5, adisplay controller 528 and atouchscreen controller 530 are coupled to thedigital signal processor 524. In turn, atouchscreen display 532 external to the on-chip system 522 is coupled to thedisplay controller 528 and thetouchscreen controller 530.
FIG. 5 further indicates that avideo encoder 534, e.g., a phase alternating line (PAL) encoder, a sequential couleur a memoire (SECAM) encoder, or a national television system(s) committee (NTSC) encoder, is coupled to thedigital signal processor 524. Further, avideo amplifier 536 is coupled to thevideo encoder 534 and thetouchscreen display 532. Also, avideo port 538 is coupled to thevideo amplifier 536. As depicted inFIG. 5, a universal serial bus (USB)controller 540 is coupled to thedigital signal processor 524. Also, aUSB port 542 is coupled to theUSB controller 540. Amemory 544 and a subscriber identity module (SIM)card 546 may also be coupled to thedigital signal processor 524. Further, as shown inFIG. 5, adigital camera 548 may be coupled to thedigital signal processor 524. In an exemplary aspect, thedigital camera 548 is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera.
As further illustrated inFIG. 5, astereo audio CODEC 550 may be coupled to theanalog signal processor 526. Moreover, anaudio amplifier 552 may coupled to thestereo audio CODEC 550. In an exemplary aspect, afirst stereo speaker 554 and asecond stereo speaker 556 are coupled to theaudio amplifier 552.FIG. 5 shows that amicrophone amplifier 558 may be also coupled to thestereo audio CODEC 550. Additionally, amicrophone 560 may be coupled to themicrophone amplifier 558. In a particular aspect, a frequency modulation (FM)radio tuner 562 may be coupled to thestereo audio CODEC 550. Also, anFM antenna 564 is coupled to theFM radio tuner 562. Further,stereo headphones 566 may be coupled to thestereo audio CODEC 550.
FIG. 5 further indicates that a radio frequency (RF)transceiver 568 may be coupled to theanalog signal processor 526. AnRF switch 570 may be coupled to theRF transceiver 568 and anRF antenna 572. As shown inFIG. 5, akeypad 574 may be coupled to theanalog signal processor 526. Also, a mono headset with amicrophone 576 may be coupled to theanalog signal processor 526. Further, avibrator device 578 may be coupled to theanalog signal processor 526.FIG. 5 also shows that apower supply 580 may be coupled to the on-chip system 522. In a particular aspect, thepower supply 580 is a direct current (DC) power supply that provides power to the various components of thePCD 520 that require power. Further, in a particular aspect, the power supply is a rechargeable DC battery or a DC power supply that is derived from an alternating current (AC) to DC transformer that is connected to an AC power source.
As shown inFIG. 5, thePCD 520 may also include a global positioning system (GPS)module 582. TheGPS module 582 may be used to determine the location of thePCD 520. Further, theGPS module 582 may be used to determine whether thePCD 520 is in motion by determining successive location information. Also, based on the successive location information the rate at which thePCD 520 is moving may be determined.
FIG. 5 indicates that thePCD 520 may include amanagement module 584, e.g., within thememory 544. Themanagement module 584 may be used to manage the power of the PCD, the power of a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof.
Further, in another aspect, themanagement module 584 may be used to manage thememory 544 within thePCD 520, a memory within a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Specifically, themanagement module 584 may be used to manage one or more applications stored within thePCD 520, one or more content items stored within thePCD 520, one or more applications stored within a PCD docking station, one or more content items stored within a PCD docking station, one or more application download requests received from aPCD 520, one or more content item download requests received from aPCD 520, one or more application download requests received from a PCD docking station, one or more content item download requests received from a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof.
In yet another aspect, themanagement module 584 may also be used to manage security between thePCD 520 and a PCD docking station, e.g., a mated PCD docking station, an unmated PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Further, themanagement module 584 may also be used to manage thedisplay 532 within thePCD 520, a display within a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Additionally, themanagement module 584 may be used to manage calls received at thePCD 520, e.g., while thePCD 520 is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. Themanagement module 584 may be used to manage calls transmitted from thePCD 520, e.g., while thePCD 520 is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. Themanagement module 584 may also be used to manage other data transmission to and from thePCD 520 while thePCD 520 is docked or undocked, e.g., via a Wi-Fi network, a WPAN, a cellular network, or any other wireless data network.
In still another aspect, themanagement module 584 may be used to manage processors within thePCD 520, e.g., when thePCD 520 is docked with a PCD docking station, when thePCD 520 is undocked with a PCD docking station, or a combination thereof. Themanagement module 584 may also be used to manage the execution of applications within thePCD 520 when the PCD is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. For example, themanagement module 584 may manage the execution of primary application versions, secondary application versions, standard application versions, enhanced application versions, or a combination thereof.
FIG. 5 indicates that thePCD 520 may further include asensor 586 connected to theDSP 524. Thesensor 586 may be a motion sensor, a tilt sensor, a proximity sensor, a shock sensor, or a combination thereof. Thesensor 586 may be used for situational awareness applications. For example, thesensor 586 may be used to detect the motion of a user lifting thePCD 520 to his or her ear and at the apex of the motion automatically connecting an incoming call. Further, thesensor 586 may detect a prolonged lack of motion of thePCD 520 whereas thePCD 520 may be automatically powered down, or placed in a sleep mode. Thesensor 586 may remain powered so that when motion is once again detected, thePCD 520 may be switched from the sleep mode, or an off mode, into an active mode.
Thesensor 586 may be used with tilt sensing applications. For example, thesensor 586 may be used for user interface applications in which movement is relevant. Thesensor 586 may be used to sense picture, or screen, orientation. Further, thesensor 586 may be used to navigate, scroll, browse, zoom, pan, or a combination thereof based on tilt sensing. Thesensor 586 may also be used in conjunction with gaming applications. In another application, thesensor 586 may be used for shock detection in order to protect a hard disk drive within thePCD 520 or a hard disk drive within a PCD docking station in which thePCD 520 is docked, or otherwise, engaged. Further, thesensor 586 may be used for tap detection.
FIG. 5 further indicates that thePCD 520 may also include anetwork card 588 that may be used to access a data network, e.g., a local area network, a personal area network, or any other network. Thenetwork card 588 may be a Bluetooth network card, a WiFi network card, a personal area network (PAN) card, a personal area network ultra-low-power technology (PeANUT) network card, or any other network card well known in the art. Further, thenetwork card 588 may be incorporated into a chip, i.e., thenetwork card 588 may be a full solution in a chip, and may not be aseparate network card 588.
As depicted inFIG. 5, thetouchscreen display 532, thevideo port 538, theUSB port 542, thecamera 548, thefirst stereo speaker 554, thesecond stereo speaker 556, themicrophone 560, theFM antenna 564, thestereo headphones 566, theRF switch 570, theRF antenna 572, thekeypad 574, themono headset 576, thevibrator 578, and thepower supply 580 are external to the on-chip system 522.
In a particular aspect, one or more of the method steps described herein may be stored in thememory 544 as computer program instructions. These instructions may be executed by aprocessor 524, 526 in order to perform the methods described herein. Further, the processors, 524, 526, thedisplay controller 528, thetouchscreen controller 530, thememory 544, themanagement module 584, thenetwork card 588, or a combination thereof may serve as a means for performing one or more of the method steps described herein.
Referring now toFIG. 6 through FIG. 11, a first aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 600. As shown, thePCD docking station 600 may include ahousing 602 having a generally flat, boxed shapedlower housing portion 604 and a generally flat, boxed shapedupper housing portion 606. In a particular aspect, theupper housing portion 606 may be connected to thelower housing portion 604 by afirst hinge 608 and asecond hinge 610. Theupper housing portion 606 of thehousing 602 may rotate around thehinges 608, 610 with respect to thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602. Accordingly, theupper housing portion 606 may be rotated, or otherwise moved, relative to thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 between a closed position, or closed configuration, shown inFIG. 6 through FIG. 9, and an open position, or open configuration, shown inFIG. 10 andFIG. 11. It may be appreciated that the open position may include a plurality of open positions in which theupper housing portion 606 of thehousing 602 is rotated away from thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 and disposed at a plurality of angles with respect to thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602.
Although, thePCD docking station 600 is shown withhinges 608, 610 coupling theupper housing portion 606 to thelower housing portion 604. It may be appreciated that theupper housing portion 606 may be coupled, or otherwise connected, to thelower housing portion 604 via a slide assembly (not shown). Theupper housing portion 606 may slide relative to thelower housing portion 604 in order to reveal one or more components within thelower housing portion 604, theupper housing portion 606, or a combination thereof. Further, theupper housing portion 606 and thelower housing portion 604 may snap together or be coupled, or otherwise connected, via various other coupling mechanisms well known in the art.
As shown inFIG. 6 through FIG. 9, thePCD docking station 600 may include a firstfront foot 612 and a secondfront foot 614. Further, thePCD docking station 600 may also include a firstrear foot 616 and a secondrear foot 618. Eachfoot 612, 614, 616, 618 may be made from a polymer, rubber, or other similar type of material to support thePCD docking station 600 when placed on a desk or table and to prevent thePCD docking station 600 from slipping with respect to the desk or table.
As illustrated inFIG. 6,FIG. 10, andFIG. 11, thePCD docking station 600 may include alatch assembly 620. Thelatch assembly 620 may include afirst hook 622 and a second hook 624 extending from theupper housing portion 606 of thehousing 602. Thefirst hook 622 and the second hook 624 may be connected to each other and aslider 626. Thelatch assembly 620 may also include afirst hook pocket 628 and asecond hook pocket 630 formed within thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602. Thefirst hook pocket 628 and thesecond hook pocket 630 may be sized and shaped to receive and engage thefirst hook 622 and the second hook 624. Theslider 626 may be moved, or otherwise slid, relative to theupper housing portion 606 of thehousing 602 in order to release thehooks 624, 626 from the hook pockets 628, 630 and unlock thePCD docking station 600 in order to allow theupper housing portion 606 of thehousing 602 to be rotated with respect to thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602.
FIG. 9 illustrates that thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 may include a plurality ofexternal device connections 640. For example, thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 may include an IEEE 1284connection 642, a first universal serial bus (USB)connection 644, asecond USB connection 646, a registered jack (RJ) 11connection 648, an RJ-45connection 650, amicrophone jack 652, and a headphone/speaker jack 654. Further, thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 may include an S-video connection 656, a video graphics array (VGA)connection 658, and an alternating current (AC)power adapter connection 660. Thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 may include other connections, described elsewhere herein.
Referring now toFIG. 10 andFIG. 11, theupper housing portion 606 of thePCD docking station 600 may include adisplay 670 incorporated therein. For example, thedisplay 670 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a backlit-LED display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other type of display. Thelower housing portion 604 of thePCD docking station 600 may include akeyboard 672 incorporated therein. Thekeyboard 672 may be a fully QWERTY keyboard. Thelower housing portion 604 of thePCD docking station 600 may include atouch pad mouse 674 incorporated therein. Further, thelower housing portion 604 of thePCD docking station 600 may include afirst mouse button 676 and asecond mouse button 678 incorporated therein. Themouse buttons 676, 678 may be proximal to thetouch pad mouse 674. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 10 andFIG. 11, thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 may include afirst speaker 680 and asecond speaker 682 incorporated therein. Thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 may also include afingerprint reader 684 incorporated therein.FIG. 10 also shows a second plurality of user interface objects 686 displayed at thedisplay 670 of thePCD docking station 600.
In a particular aspect, the first plurality of user interface objects 124, shown inFIG. 1, may be a subset of the second plurality of user interface objects 686 illustrated inFIG. 10. Further, when a PCD 100 (FIG. 1) is docked with aPCD docking station 600, a user interface may display a larger number of user interface objects than a number of user interface objects displayed when thePCD 100 is undocked. Moreover, the capabilities of the user interface may be expanded when thePCD 100 is docked with aPCD docking station 600. As such, a first user interface may be displayed when thePCD 100 is undocked and a second user interface may be displayed when thePCD 100 is docked with aPCD docking station 600. The first user interface may be an abbreviated, or standard, user interface and the second user interface may be an expanded, or enhanced, user interface.
As illustrated inFIG. 10, thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602 may include an open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690 formed in the surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4. The open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690 may be a depression or hole formed in thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602. As shown, the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690 may be an open space, or a volume, formed within aleft side wall 692, aright side wall 694, arear side wall 696, afront side wall 698, and abottom surface 700.
FIG. 10 indicates that the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690 may include amulti-pin connector array 702. Themulti-pin connector array 702 may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of theside walls 692, 694, 696, 698. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 10, themulti-pin connector 702 may extend from theleft side wall 692 of the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690. Themulti-pin connector array 702 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., themulti-pin connector array 130 illustrated inFIG. 3, themulti-pin connector array 132 illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.
As shown inFIG. 10 andFIG. 11, the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docket pocket 690 may also include alatch assembly 704 that extends over an edge of one of theside walls 692, 694, 696, 698. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 10 andFIG. 11, thelatch assembly 704 may extend over the edge of theright side wall 694 of the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690 opposite theleft side wall 692 of the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690. Thelatch assembly 704 may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in the surface of thelower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602. In the aspect as shown, thelatch assembly 704 may be moved in a direction, e.g., to the right, in order to allow a PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4, to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690. Thereafter, when released, thelatch assembly 704 may move in the opposite direction, e.g., to the left. Thelatch assembly 704 may then engage an upper surface of thePCD 100 in order to maintain thePCD 100 within thePCD docking pocket 690.FIG. 11 illustrates thePCD 100 engaged with thePCD docking station 600.
As shown inFIG. 11, thePCD 100 may be installed within the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 690 as described herein. Depending on the orientation of themulti-pin connector array 702, thePCD 100 may be installed face up or face down within the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 690. When thePCD 100 is installed within thedocking pocket 690, themulti-pin connector array 130 of thePCD 100 may be engaged with themulti-pin connector array 702 formed in the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 690. Further, when thePCD 100 is installed face up within thedocking pocket 690, thedisplay 670 within thePCD docking station 600 may operate as a primary display and thePCD 100 may operate as a secondary display.
For example, an executing application may be displayed on the primary display and one or more commands may be displayed on the secondary display. In another aspect, in a video mode, video may be displayed on the primary display and a video list and one or more video controls may be displayed on the secondary display. In yet another aspect, in an audio player mode, album art may be displayed on the primary display and one or more audio controls may be displayed in the secondary display.
In a phone mode, a contacts list, a call history, a caller photo, a call number, or a combination thereof may be displayed on the primary display and a numeric keypad may be displayed on the secondary display. When a call occurs, an application manager, e.g., within thePCD 100 may switch from the current application displayed on the secondary display to a phone application displayed on the secondary display. The call may be answered through thePCD 100 by undocking thePCD 100. Alternatively, the call may be answered through thePCD docking station 600, e.g., through thespeakers 680, 682 and a microphone connected to the PCD docking station. Moreover, the call may be answered through a headset, e.g., a Bluetooth headset coupled to thePCD 100.
In yet another aspect, in an email application, a current email may be displayed on the primary display and a list of other emails may be displayed on the secondary display. In a game application, the executing game may be displayed on the primary display and the game controls may be displayed on the secondary display.
It may be appreciated that when thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 600 the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of thePCD 100 and thePCD docking station 600 is portable and thehousing 602 of thePCD docking station 600 may be closed while thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 600. Also, thePCD docking station 600 may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 690. When thePCD 100 is installed within the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 690, thePCD 100 can close the switch and cause thePCD docking station 600 to be powered on, e.g., energized. When thePCD 100 is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 690, thePCD docking station 600 may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging thePCD 100 with themulti-pin connector array 702 may cause thePCD docking station 600 to be powered on. Disengaging thePCD 100 from themulti-pin connector array 702 may cause thePCD docking station 600 to be powered off.
Referring now toFIG. 12 through FIG. 15, a second aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 1200. In general, thePCD docking station 1200 shown inFIG. 12 through FIG. 15 is configured in a manner similar to thePCD docking station 600 described in conjunction withFIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, thePCD docking station 1200 shown inFIG. 12 through FIG. 15 does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690 (FIG. 10).
As illustrated inFIG. 13 andFIG. 14, thePCD docking station 1200 may include ahousing 1202 having alower housing portion 1204 and anupper housing portion 1206. In this aspect, thelower housing portion 1204 may include an open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210 formed therein. The open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4. The open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210 may be a depression or hole formed in thelower housing portion 1204 of thehousing 1202. As shown, the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210 may be an open space, or a volume, formed within aleft side wall 1212, arear side wall 1214, afront side wall 1216, and abottom surface 1218. Further, the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210 is open on one side, e.g., the right side, in order to allow a PCD to be slid, or otherwise moved, into the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210.
FIG. 12 through FIG. 14 indicate that the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210 may include amulti-pin connector array 1222. Themulti-pin connector array 1222 may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of theside walls 1212, 1214, 1216. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 12 through FIG. 14, themulti-pin connector 1222 may extend from theleft side wall 1212 of the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210. Themulti-pin connector array 1222 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., themulti-pin connector array 130 illustrated inFIG. 3, themulti-pin connector array 132 illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.
As shown inFIG. 14 andFIG. 15, a PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4, may be slid into the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210 from the open, right side of the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210. The PCD may be moved to the left until a multi-pin connector array on the PCD engages themulti-pin connector array 1222 that extends into the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210. When fully engaged with the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210, as depicted inFIG. 15, a touchscreen display within the PCD may be accessible to the user.
Depending on the orientation of themulti-pin connector array 1222, thePCD 100 may be installed face up or face down within the open-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1210. When thePCD 100 is installed face up within thedocking pocket 1210, the display within thePCD docking station 1200 may operate as a primary display and thePCD 100 may operate as a secondary display.
It may be appreciated that when thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 1200 the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of thePCD 100 and thePCD docking station 1200 is portable and thehousing 1202 of thePCD docking station 1200 may be closed while thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 1200. Also, thePCD docking station 1200 may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1210. When thePCD 100 is installed within the open-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1210, thePCD 100 can close the switch and cause thePCD docking station 1200 to be powered on, e.g., energized. When thePCD 100 is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1210, thePCD docking station 1200 may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging thePCD 100 with themulti-pin connector array 1222 may cause thePCD docking station 1200 to be powered on. Disengaging thePCD 100 from themulti-pin connector array 1222 may cause thePCD docking station 1200 to be powered off.
FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, illustrate a third aspect of a PCD docking station, generally designated 1600. In general, thePCD docking station 1600 shown inFIG. 16 and FIG. 17 is configured in a manner similar to thePCD docking station 600 described in conjunction withFIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, thePCD docking station 1600 shown inFIG. 16 and FIG. 17 does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690 (FIG. 10).
As illustrated inFIG. 16 and FIG. 17, thePCD docking station 1600 may include ahousing 1602 having alower housing portion 1604 and anupper housing portion 1606. In this aspect, thelower housing portion 1604 may include a closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610 formed therein. The closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4. The closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610 may be a depression or hole formed in thelower housing portion 1604 of thehousing 1602. As shown, the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610 may be an open space, or a volume, formed within aleft side wall 1612, arear side wall 1614, afront side wall 1616, abottom surface 1618, and atop surface 1620. Further, the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610 may be open on one side, e.g., the right side, in order to allow a PCD to be slid, or otherwise moved, into the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610.
FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 indicate that the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610 may include amulti-pin connector array 1622. Themulti-pin connector array 1622 may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of theside walls 1612, 1614, 1616. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 16 and FIG. 17, themulti-pin connector 1622 may extend from theleft side wall 1612 of the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610. Themulti-pin connector array 1622 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., themulti-pin connector array 130 illustrated inFIG. 3, themulti-pin connector array 132 illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.
As shown inFIG. 17, a PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4, may be slid into the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610 from the open, right side of the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610. ThePCD 100 may be moved to the left until a multi-pin connector array on thePCD 100 engages themulti-pin connector array 1622 that extends into the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610. When fully engaged with the closed-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1610, thePCD 100 may not be accessible to the user.
As shown inFIG. 16, thePCD docking station 1600 may further include aneject button 1624. When theeject button 1624 is pressed, thePCD 100 may be ejected from thePCD docking pocket 1610 and thePCD docking station 1600 for retrieval by a user. Depending on the orientation of themulti-pin connector array 1622, thePCD 100 may be installed face up or face down within the closed-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1610. When thePCD 100 is installed within thedocking pocket 1610, themulti-pin connector array 130 of thePCD 100 may be engaged with themulti-pin connector array 1622 formed in the closed-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1610.
It may be appreciated that when thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 1600 the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of thePCD 100 and thePCD docking station 1600 is portable and thehousing 1602 of thePCD docking station 1600 may be closed while thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 1600. Also, thePCD docking station 1600 may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the closed-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1610. When thePCD 100 is installed within the closed-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1610, thePCD 100 can close the switch and cause thePCD docking station 1600 to be powered on, e.g., energized. When thePCD 100 is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the closed-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1610, thePCD docking station 1600 may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging thePCD 100 with themulti-pin connector array 1622 may cause thePCD docking station 1600 to be powered on. Disengaging thePCD 100 from themulti-pin connector array 1622 may cause thePCD docking station 1600 to be powered off.
Referring toFIG. 18 through FIG. 22, a fourth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 1800. In general, thePCD docking station 1800 shown inFIG. 18 through FIG. 22 is configured in a manner similar to thePCD docking station 600 described in conjunction withFIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, thePCD docking station 1800 shown inFIG. 18 through FIG. 22 does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690 (FIG. 10).
As illustrated inFIG. 18 through FIG. 22, thePCD docking station 1800 may include ahousing 1802 having alower housing portion 1804 and anupper housing portion 1806. In this aspect, thelower housing portion 1804 may include aPCD docking tray 1810 extending therefrom. In particular, thePCD docking tray 1810 may be slidably engaged with thelower housing portion 1804 of thePCD docking station 1800. ThePCD docking tray 1810 may extend from a side of thelower housing portion 1804, e.g., a left side, a right side, or a front side. In a particular aspect, as shown, thePCD docking tray 1810 may extend outwardly from the right side of thelower housing portion 1804 of thePCD docking station 1800. Further, thePCD docking tray 1810 may be movable between an open position, or extended position, in which thePCD docking tray 1810 is extended from thePCD docking station 1800 and a closed position, or retracted position, in which the PCD is retracted into thePCD docking station 1800.
ThePCD docking tray 1810 may include a generally flat, generallyrectangular support plate 1812 having aproximal end 1814 and adistal end 1816. Aface plate 1818 may be attached to, or formed with, thedistal end 1816 of thesupport plate 1812. As shown, in a particular aspect, theface plate 1818 may be perpendicular to thesupport plate 1812.FIG. 19 andFIG. 20 further show that thePCD docking tray 1810 may be formed with acentral opening 1820. In a particular aspect, thecentral opening 1820 may be generally rectangular and may be oriented so that a long axis of thecentral opening 1820 is substantially parallel to theproximal end 1814 and thedistal end 1816 of thesupport plate 1812.
As shown, thePCD docking tray 1810 may also include asupport arm 1822 that is sized and shaped to fit into thecentral opening 1820 formed in thesupport plate 1812. Thesupport arm 1822 may be generally rectangular and may include aproximal end 1824 and adistal end 1826. Theproximal end 1824 of thesupport arm 1822 may be connected to thesupport plate 1812 via a rod or pin (not shown) that passes through theproximal end 1824 of thesupport arm 1822 and into thesupport plate 1812 on each side of thecentral opening 1820 flanking thesupport arm 1822.
Further, as depicted, thesupport plate 1812 may include amulti-pin connector array 1828 adjacent to thecentral opening 1820 and thesupport arm 1822. In a particular aspect, themulti-pin connector array 1828 may be located adjacent to theproximal end 1824 of thesupport arm 1822. Themulti-pin connector array 1828 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, e.g., themulti-pin connector array 130 illustrated inFIG. 3, themulti-pin connector array 132 illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.
In a particular aspect, thePCD docking tray 1810 is movable between an open position, shown inFIG. 19, in which thePCD docking tray 1810 extends fully from within thehousing 1802, and a closed position in which thePCD docking tray 1810 is retracted into thehousing 1802. In the closed position, theface plate 1818 of thePCD docking tray 1810 may be flush with the side of thehousing 1802.
Moreover, in a particular aspect, thesupport arm 1822 may pivot within thecentral opening 1820 of thesupport plate 1812 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, shown inFIG. 19, in which thesupport arm 1822 fits into thecentral opening 1820 of thesupport plate 1812 and thesupport arm 1822 is flush with thesupport plate 1812, i.e., an upper surface of thesupport arm 1822 is even with an upper surface of thesupport plate 1812, a lower surface of thesupport arm 1822 is even with a lower surface of thesupport plate 1812, or a combination thereof.
In the second position, thesupport arm 1822 may form an angle with respect to thesupport plate 1812. In a particular aspect, thesupport arm 1822, thesupport plate 1812, or a combination thereof may include a detent (not shown), spring (not shown), or other similar mechanism to hold thesupport arm 1822 in the second position. By applying pressure on thedistal end 1826 of thesupport arm 1822 the force of detent, or spring, may be overcome and thesupport arm 1822 may be returned to the first position.
As shown inFIG. 21 andFIG. 22, in the second position, a PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4 may rest on thesupport arm 1822 and a multi-pin connector array on thePCD 100 may engage themulti-pin connector array 1828 on thePCD docking tray 1810. Thesupport arm 1822 may support thePCD 100 at an angle to facilitate viewing of thePCD 100 during operation of thePCD 100 and thePCD docking station 1800.
In a particular aspect, as shown inFIG. 18, thePCD docking station 1800 may further include aneject button 1830. Theeject button 1830 may be incorporated into thePCD docking tray 1810. Alternatively, theeject button 1830 may be incorporated into thePCD docking station 1800 adjacent to thePCD docking tray 1810. When theeject button 1830 is pressed, thePCD docking tray 1810 may be moved from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, thePCD 100 may be docked with and supported by thePCD docking tray 1810.
When thePCD 100 is engaged within thePCD docking tray 1810, the display within thePCD docking station 1800 may operate as a primary display and thePCD 100 may operate as a secondary display.
It may be appreciated that when thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 1800 the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of thePCD 100 and thePCD docking station 1800 is portable.
Referring toFIG. 23 through FIG. 25, a fifth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 2300. In general, thePCD docking station 2300 shown inFIG. 23 through FIG. 25 is configured in a manner similar to thePCD docking station 600 described in conjunction withFIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, thePCD docking station 2300 shown inFIG. 23 through FIG. 25 does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690 (FIG. 10).
As illustrated inFIG. 23 through FIG. 25, thePCD docking station 2300 may include ahousing 2302 having alower housing portion 2304 and anupper housing portion 2306. In this aspect, theupper housing portion 2306 may include aPCD docking tray 2310 extending therefrom. In particular, thePCD docking tray 2310 may be slidably engaged with theupper housing portion 2306 of thePCD docking station 2300. ThePCD docking tray 2310 may extend from a side of theupper housing portion 2306, e.g., a left side, a right side, or a front side (i.e., a top side when theupper housing portion 2306 is open). In a particular aspect, as shown, thePCD docking tray 2310 may extend outwardly from the right side of theupper housing portion 2306 of thePCD docking station 2300.
ThePCD docking tray 2310 may include a generally flat, generallyrectangular support plate 2312 having aproximal end 2314 and adistal end 2316. Aface plate 2318 may be attached to, or formed with, thedistal end 2316 of thesupport plate 2312. In a particular aspect, theface plate 2318 may be perpendicular to thesupport plate 2312.FIG. 24 andFIG. 25 further show that thePCD docking tray 2310 may include asupport lip 2320 formed along a bottom edge of thesupport plate 2312. In a particular aspect, thesupport lip 2320 may be generally "L" shaped and provide a pocket between thesupport lip 2320 and thesupport plate 2312 in which an end of a PCD may fit and rest during use.
Further, as depicted inFIG. 23, theupper housing portion 2306 of thePCD docking station 2302 may include amulti-pin connector array 2328 adjacent to thePCD docking tray 2310. In a particular aspect, themulti-pin connector array 2328 may be located adjacent to theproximal end 2314 of thesupport plate 2312. Themulti-pin connector array 2328 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, e.g., themulti-pin connector array 130 illustrated inFIG. 3, themulti-pin connector array 132 illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.
In a particular aspect, thePCD docking tray 2310 is movable between a open position, or extended position, shown inFIG. 24, in which thePCD docking tray 2310 extends fully from within thehousing 2302, e.g., theupper housing portion 2306, and a closed position, or retracted position, in which thePCD docking tray 2310 is retracted into thehousing 2302, e.g., theupper housing portion 2306. In the retracted position, theface plate 2318 of thePCD docking tray 2310 may be flush with the side of theupper housing portion 2306.
In the extended position, as shown inFIG. 25, thePCD 100 may rest on thePCD docking tray 2310 and a multi-pin connector array on thePCD 100 may engage themulti-pin connector array 2328 on theupper housing portion 2306. ThePCD docking tray 2310 may support thePCD 100 at the same angle as theupper housing portion 2306 is relative to thelower housing portion 2304 to facilitate viewing of thePCD 100 during operation of thePCD 100 and thePCD docking station 2300.
In a particular aspect, as shown inFIG. 23, thePCD docking station 2300 may further include aneject button 2330. Theeject button 2330 may be incorporated into thePCD docking station 2300 adjacent to thePCD docking tray 2310. Alternatively, theeject button 2330 may be incorporated into thePCD docking tray 2310. When theeject button 2330 is pressed, thePCD docking tray 2310 may be moved from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, thePCD 100 may be docked with and supported by thePCD docking tray 2310.
When thePCD 100 is engaged within thePCD docking tray 2310, the display within thePCD docking station 2300 may operate as a primary display and thePCD 100 may operate as a secondary display.
It may be appreciated that when thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 2300 the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of thePCD 100 and thePCD docking station 2300 is portable.
Referring now toFIG. 26 andFIG. 27, a sixth aspect of a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 2600. In general, thePCD docking station 2600 shown inFIG. 26 andFIG. 27 is configured in a manner similar to thePCD docking station 600 described in conjunction withFIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, thePCD docking station 2600 shown inFIG. 26 andFIG. 27 does not include atouch pad mouse 674, afirst mouse button 676, asecond mouse button 678, or a combination thereof.
As illustrated inFIG. 26 andFIG. 27, thePCD docking station 2600 may include ahousing 2602 having alower housing portion 2604 and anupper housing portion 2606. Thelower housing portion 2604 of thehousing 2602 may include an open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610 formed in the surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4.
In a particular aspect, the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610 may be a depression or hole formed in thelower housing portion 2604 of thehousing 2602. As shown, the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610 may be an open space, or a volume, formed within aleft side wall 2612, aright side wall 2614, arear side wall 2616, afront side wall 2618, and abottom surface 2620.
FIG. 26 indicates that the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610 may include amulti-pin connector array 2622. Themulti-pin connector array 2622 may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), one of theside walls 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 26, themulti-pin connector 2622 may extend from theleft side wall 2612 of the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610. Themulti-pin connector array 2622 may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., themulti-pin connector array 130 illustrated inFIG. 3, themulti-pin connector array 132 illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.
As shown inFIG. 26 andFIG. 27, the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610 may also include alatch assembly 2624 that extends over an edge of one of theside walls 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618. In the aspect as shown inFIG. 26 andFIG. 27, thelatch assembly 2624 may extend over the edge of theright side wall 2614 of the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610 opposite theleft side wall 2612 of the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610. Thelatch assembly 2624 may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in the surface of thelower housing portion 2604 of thehousing 2602. In the aspect as shown, thelatch assembly 2624 may be moved in a direction, e.g., to the right, in order to allow a PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 4, to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 2610. Thereafter, when released, thelatch assembly 2624 may move in the opposite direction, e.g., to the left. Thelatch assembly 2624 may then engage an upper surface of thePCD 100 in order to maintain thePCD 100 within thePCD docking pocket 2610.FIG. 27 illustrates thePCD 100 engaged with thePCD docking station 2600.
As shown, thePCD 100 may be installed within the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 2610 as described herein. When thePCD 100 is installed within thedocking pocket 2610, themulti-pin connector array 130 of thePCD 100 may be engaged with themulti-pin connector array 2622 formed in the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 2610.
In a particular aspect, when thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 2600, thePCD 100 may be used as a supplemental display. Further, thePCD 100 may be used as an input device, e.g., thePCD 100 may be used as a mouse pad and may include a first mouse button and a second mouse button. Also, thePCD 100 may be used as a supplemental display and as a mouse pad with corresponding mouse buttons.
It may be appreciated that when thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 2600 the combination may be considered a mobile computing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combination of thePCD 100 and thePCD docking station 2600 is portable and thehousing 2602 of thePCD docking station 2600 may be closed while thePCD 100 is docked with thePCD docking station 2600. Also, thePCD docking station 2600 may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 2610. When thePCD 100 is installed within the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 2610, thePCD 100 can close the switch and cause thePCD docking station 2600 to be powered on, e.g., energized. When thePCD 100 is ejected, or otherwise removed, from the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 2610, thePCD docking station 2600 may be powered off. In another aspect, simply engaging thePCD 100 with themulti-pin connector array 2622 may cause thePCD docking station 2600 to be powered on. Disengaging thePCD 100 from themulti-pin connector array 2622 may cause thePCD docking station 2600 to be powered off.
FIG. 28 depicts a first aspect of a PCD system, generally designated 2800. As shown, thePCD system 2800 may include aPCD 2802 and aPCD docking station 2804. In a particular aspect, thePCD 2802 may be removably engaged with thePCD docking station 2804 via adock connector 2806. Thedock connector 2806 may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within thePCD 2802 and one or more components within thePCD docking station 2804. Additionally, thedock connector 2806 may be amulti-pin dock connector 2806. Further, thedock connector 2806 may be one of the multi-pin connector arrays described herein.
As shown inFIG. 28, thePCD 2802 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 2808 that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control thePCD 2802. ThePCB 2808 may include one or more of the components described in conjunction withFIG. 5. Abattery 2810 may be coupled to thePCB 2808.
FIG. 28 indicates that thePCD docking station 2804 may include abattery 2820 connected to thedock connector 2806. Apower management module 2822 may be connected to thebattery 2820. Further, an alternating current (AC)power connection 2824 may be connected to thepower management module 2822. TheAC power connection 2824 may be connected to an AC power source (not shown).
FIG. 28 further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS)port 2838 may be connected to thedock connector 2806. Afirst USB connector 2840 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 2838. As depicted inFIG. 28, thePCD docking station 2804 may also include a second USB-HS port 2848. Akeyboard 2856 may be connected to the second USB-HS port 2838. In particular, thekeyboard 2856 may be a keyboard/ touchpad combination.
FIG. 28 indicates that thePCD docking station 2804 may also include adisplay 2860 connected to thedock connector 2806. As shown, thedock connector 2806 may be further connected to aground connection 2868.
In a particular aspect, thedock connector 2806 may include forty-four (44) pins. For example, thedock connector 2806 may include eight (8) pins for thebattery 2820, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 2838, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port 2848, twenty (20) pins for thedisplay 2860, and eight (8) pins for theground connection 2868.
Referring toFIG. 29, a second aspect of a PCD system is shown and is generally designated 2900. As shown, thePCD system 2900 may include aPCD 2902 and aPCD docking station 2904. In a particular aspect, thePCD 2902 may be removably engaged with thePCD docking station 2904 via adock connector 2906. Thedock connector 2906 may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within thePCD 2902 and one or more components within thePCD docking station 2904.
As shown inFIG. 29, thePCD 2902 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 2908 that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control thePCD 2802. Further, thePCB 2908 may include one or more of the components described in conjunction withFIG. 5. Abattery 2910 may be coupled to thePCB 2908.
FIG. 29 indicates that thePCD docking station 2904 may include abattery 2920 connected to thedock connector 2906. Apower management module 2922 may be connected to thebattery 2920. Further, an alternating current (AC)power connection 2924 may be connected to thepower management module 2922. TheAC power connection 2924 may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O) 2926 may be connected to thedock connector 2906 and one ormore speakers 2928 may be connected to the audio I/O 2926.
As illustrated, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC) 2934 may also be connected to thedock connector 2906. AnEthernet port 2936 may be connected to theGbE MAC 2934. In a particular aspect, theEthernet port 2936 may be an RJ45 jack.
FIG. 29 further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS)port 2938 may be connected to thedock connector 2906. A first USB connector 2942 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 2938. As depicted inFIG. 29, thePCD docking station 2904 may also include a second USB-HS port 2948. Asecond USB connector 2950 may be connected to the second USB-HS port 2948. Moreover, as depicted, a third USB-HS port 2954 may be connected to thedock connector 2906. Akeyboard 2956 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 2954. In particular, thekeyboard 2956 may be a keyboard/ touchpad combination.
FIG. 29 indicates that thePCD docking station 2904 may also include adisplay 2960. Additionally, thePCD docking station 2904 may include an RGB(A)connector 2962 coupled to thedock connector 2906. A D-sub connector 2964 may be connected to the RGB(A)connector 2962. As shown, thedock connector 2906 may be connected to aground connection 2968.
In a particular aspect, thedock connector 2906 may include one hundred nineteen (119) pins. For example, thedock connector 2906 may include ten (10) pins for thebattery 2920, three (3) pins for the audio I/O 2926, thirty-six (36) pins for theGbE MAC 2934, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 2938, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port 2948, four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port 2954, twenty (20) pins for thedisplay 2960, twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A)connector 2962, and ten (10) pins for theground connection 2968.
FIG. 30 illustrates a third aspect of a PCD system, generally designated 3000. As shown, thePCD system 3000 may include aPCD 3002 and aPCD docking station 3004. In a particular aspect, thePCD 3002 may be removably engaged with thePCD docking station 3004 via adock connector 3006. Thedock connector 3006 may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within thePCD 3002 and one or more components within thePCD docking station 3004.
As shown inFIG. 30, thePCD 3002 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 3008 that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control thePCD 3002. Further, thePCB 3008 may include one or more of the components described in conjunction withFIG. 5. Abattery 3010 may be coupled to thePCB 3008.
FIG. 30 indicates that thePCD docking station 3004 may include abattery 3020 connected to thedock connector 3006. Apower management module 3022 may be connected to thebattery 3020. Further, an alternating current (AC)power connection 3024 may be connected to thepower management module 3022. TheAC power connection 3024 may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O) 3026 may be connected to thedock connector 3006 and one ormore speakers 3028 may be connected to the audio I/O 3026.
As further illustrated inFIG. 30, a mobile display digital interface (MDDI) 3030 may be connected to thedock connector 3006. Acamera 3032 may be connected to theMDDI 3030. Further, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC) 3034 may also be connected to the dock connector. AnEthernet port 3036 may be connected to theGbE MAC 3034. In a particular aspect, theEthernet port 3036 may be an RJ45 jack.
FIG. 30 further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS)port 3038 may be connected to thedock connector 3006. AUSB hub 3040 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 3038. Afirst USB connector 3042 and asecond USB connector 3044 may be connected to theUSB hub 3040. Additionally, akeyboard 3046 may be connected to theUSB hub 3040. In particular, thekeyboard 3046 may be a keyboard/ touchpad combination.
As depicted inFIG. 30, thePCD docking station 3004 may also include a second USB-HS port 3048. A first serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) toUSB converter 3050 may be connected to the second USB-HS port 3048. A digital video disk (DVD) drive 3052 may be connected to the first SATA-USB converter 3050. Further, thePCD docking station 3004 may include a third USB-HS port 3054. A second SATA-USB converter 3056 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3054 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 3058 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3054.
FIG. 30 indicates that thePCD docking station 3004 may also include adisplay 3060. Additionally, thePCD docking station 3004 may include an RGB(A)connector 3062 coupled to thedock connector 3006. A D-sub connector 3064 may be connected to the RGB(A)connector 3062. As shown, thedock connector 3006 may be connected to aground connection 3068.
In a particular aspect, thedock connector 3006 may include one hundred twenty-seven (127) pins. For example, thedock connector 3006 may include ten (10) pins for thebattery 3020, five (5) pins for the audio I/O 3026, six (6) pins for theMDDI 3030, thirty-six (36) pins for theGbE MAC 3034, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 3038, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port 3048, four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port 3054, twenty (20) pins for thedisplay 3060, twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A)connector 3062, and ten (10) pins for theground connection 3068. Thedock connector 3006 may also include an additional three (3) pins for theSATA 3050 connected to the second USB-HS port 3048.
Referring now toFIG. 31, a fourth aspect of a PCD system is shown and is generally designated 3100. As shown, thePCD system 3100 may include aPCD 3102 and aPCD docking station 3104. In a particular aspect, thePCD 3102 may be removably engaged with thePCD docking station 3104 via adock connector 3106. Thedock connector 3106 may provide electronic connectivity between one or more components within thePCD 3102 and one or more components within thePCD docking station 3104.
As shown inFIG. 31, thePCD 3102 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 3108 that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCD electronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or some other appropriate device that integrates and connects the electronic components in order to control thePCD 3102. Further, thePCB 3108 may include one or more of the components described in conjunction withFIG. 5. Abattery 3110 may be coupled to thePCB 3108.
FIG. 31 indicates that thePCD docking station 3104 may include abattery 3120 connected to thedock connector 3106. Apower management module 3122 may be connected to thebattery 3120. Further, an alternating current (AC)power connection 3124 may be connected to thepower management module 3122. TheAC power connection 3124 may be connected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O) 3126 may be connected to thedock connector 3106 and one ormore speakers 3128 may be connected to the audio I/O 3126.
As further illustrated inFIG. 31, a mobile display digital interface (MDDI) 3130 may be connected to thedock connector 3106. Acamera 3132 may be connected to theMDDI 3130. Further, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC) 3134 may also be connected to the dock connector. AnEthernet port 3136 may be connected to theGbE MAC 3134. In a particular aspect, theEthernet port 3136 may be an RJ45 jack.
FIG. 31 further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed (USB-HS)port 3138 may be connected to thedock connector 3106. AUSB hub 3140 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 3138. Afirst USB connector 3142 and asecond USB connector 3144 may be connected to theUSB hub 3140. Additionally, akeyboard 3146 may be connected to theUSB hub 3140. In particular, thekeyboard 3146 may be a keyboard/ touchpad combination.
As depicted inFIG. 31, thePCD docking station 3104 may also include a second USB-HS port 3148. A first serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) toUSB converter 3150 may be connected to the second USB-HS port 3148. A digital video disk (DVD) drive 3152 may be connected to the first SATA-USB converter 3150. Further, thePCD docking station 3104 may include a third USB-HS port 3154. A second SATA-USB converter 3156 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3154 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 3158 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3154.
FIG. 31 indicates that thePCD docking station 3104 may also include adisplay 3160. Additionally, thePCD docking station 3104 may include an RGB(A)connector 3162 coupled to thedock connector 3106. A D-sub connector 3164 may be connected to the RGB(A)connector 3162. A high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 3166 may also be connected to thedock connector 3106. As shown, thedock connector 3106 may be connected to aground connection 3168.
In a particular aspect, thedock connector 3106 may include one hundred forty-six (146) pins. For example, thedock connector 3106 may include ten (10) pins for thebattery 3120, five (5) pins for the audio I/O 3126, six (6) pins for theMDDI 3130, thirty-six (36) pins for theGbE MAC 3134, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 3138, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port 3148, four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port 3154, twenty (20) pins for thedisplay 3160, twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A)connector 3162, nineteen (19) pins for theHDMI 3166, and ten (10) pins for theground connection 3168. Thedock connector 3106 may also include an additional three (3) pins for theSATA 3150 connected to the second USB-HS port 3148.
Referring toFIG. 32, a PCD processor system is shown and is generally designated 3200. As shown, thePCD processor system 3200 may include afirst core processor 3202, asecond core processor 3204, athird core processor 3206, and afourth core processor 3208. Further, thePCD processor system 3200 may include a 32-bit processor 3210, e.g., anARM 11 processor.
As shown, one ormore hardware peripherals 3212 may be connected to thefirst core processor 3202, thesecond core processor 3204, thethird core processor 3206, thefourth core processor 3208, the 32-bit processor 3210, or a combination thereof. In a particular aspect, a process monitor andload leveler 3214 may be connected to thefirst core processor 3202, thesecond core processor 3204, thethird core processor 3206, and thefourth core processor 3208. As described herein, the process monitor andload leveler 3214 may act as a processor manager to turn thecore processors 3202, 3204, 3206, 3208 on and off depending on operational requirements, whether a PCD is docked, whether a PCD is undocked or a combination thereof. The process monitor andload leveler 3214 may act as a means for executing one or more of the method steps described herein.
FIG. 32 further indicates that afirst process 3216 and asecond process 3218 may be executed by the 32-bit processor 3210. Athird process 3220, afourth process 3222, afifth process 3224, asixth process 3226, aseventh process 3228, and anNth process 3230 may be executed by thefirst core processor 3202, thesecond core processor 3204, thethird core processor 3206, thefourth core processor 3208, or a combination thereof via the process monitor andload leveler 3214.
ThePCD processor system 3200 may further include a modem real-time operating system (RTOS) 3232 that may operate above thefirst process 3216 and thesecond process 3218. An application RTOS 3234 may operate above thethird process 3220, thefourth process 3222, thefifth process 3224, thesixth process 3226, theseventh process 3228, and theNth process 3230. In a particular aspect, the application RTOS may be an RTOS provided by Linux^™. A plurality ofapplications 3236 may be executed by themodem RTOS 3232 and the application RTOS 3234.
Referring toFIG. 33, a method of managing applications within a PCD and a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 3300. Commencing atblock 3302, a do loop may be entered in which when an application is selected, the succeeding steps may be performed. Atdecision 3304, an application management module may determine whether the PCD is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. If the PCD is undocked, themethod 3300 may continue todecision 3306 and the application management module may determine whether a partial application version, e.g., a first application version, is available. If not, themethod 3300 may continue to block 3308 and the application management module may execute a full application version, e.g., a second application version. For example, a full application version may be an editing version of an application and a partial application version may be a reader version of an application.
Moreover, in a particular aspect, a partial application version may be an abbreviated version of a full application version and may not have the same capabilities of an enhanced application version. Typically, a full application version may require more computing capability than a partial application version. Further, a user interface associated with a full application version may be more extensive than a user interface associated with a partial application version. The user interface associated with a full application version may display more user interface objects than a user interface associated with a partial application version. Also, the user interface of a partial application version may display user interface objects that are a subset of the user interface objects displayed by the user interface of a full application version.
Fromblock 3308, themethod 3300 may continue todecision 3310 and the application management module may determine whether another application is selected. If so, themethod 3300 may return todecision step 3306 and themethod 3300 may continue as described herein.
Returning todecision 3306, if a partial application version is available, themethod 3300 may proceed to block 3312 and the application management module may execute a partial application version. Then, themethod 3300 may continue todecision 3310. Atdecision 3310, if another application is not selected, themethod 3300 may move todecision 3314.
Atdecision 3314, the application management module may determine whether the application is closed. If so, themethod 3300 may end. Conversely, if the application is not closed, themethod 3300 may proceed todecision 3316 and the application manager may determine whether the PCD is docked. If not, themethod 3300 may proceed to block 3318 and the application management module may continue executing the current application version. If the PCD is docked, themethod 3300 may move todecision 3320 and the application management module may determine whether the full application version is currently being executed or the partial application is currently being executed. If the full application version is being executed, themethod 3300 may proceed to block 3318 and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the partial application version is being executed, themethod 3300 may move to block 3322 and the application management module may switch the application to the full application version. Thereafter, themethod 3300 may end.
Returning todecision 3304,decision 3304 if the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, themethod 3300 may move directly todecision 3324 ofFIG. 34. Atdecision 3324, the application management module may determine whether a full application version is available. If not, themethod 3300 may continue to block 3326 and the application management module may execute a partial application version.
Thereafter, themethod 3300 may continue todecision 3328 and the application management module may determine whether another application is selected. If so, themethod 3300 may return todecision step 3324 and themethod 3300 may continue as described herein.
Returning todecision 3324, if a full application version is available, themethod 3300 may proceed to block 3330 and the application management module may execute a full application version. Next, themethod 3300 may continue todecision 3328. Atdecision 3328, if another application is not selected, themethod 3300 may move todecision 3332.
Atdecision 3332, the application management module may determine whether the application is closed. If so, themethod 3300 may end. Conversely, if the application is not closed, themethod 3300 may proceed todecision 3334 and the application manager may determine whether the PCD is undocked. If not, themethod 3300 may proceed to block 3336 and the application management module may continue executing the current application version. If the PCD is undocked, themethod 3300 may move todecision 3338 and the application management module may determine whether the full application version is currently being executed or the partial application is currently being executed. If the partial application version is being executed, themethod 3300 may proceed to block 3336 and continue as described herein. Conversely, if the full application version is being executed, themethod 3300 may move todecision 3340 and the application management module may determine whether a partial application version is available. If not, themethod 3300 may proceed to block 3336 and continue as described herein. If a partial application version is available, themethod 3300 may move to block 3342 and the application management module may switch the application to the partial application version. Thereafter, themethod 3300 may end.
Referring toFIG. 35, a method of managing applications within a PCD and a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 3500. Commencing atblock 3502, a do loop may be entered in which when an application is selected, the succeeding steps may be performed. Atdecision 3504, an application management module may determine whether the PCD is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. If the PCD is docked, themethod 3500 may continue todecision 3506 and the application management module may determine whether an enhanced application version is available. If not, themethod 3500 may continue to block 3508 and the application management module may execute a standard application version. In a particular aspect, a standard application version may be an abbreviated version of an application and may not have the same capabilities of an enhanced application version. For example, a standard version may be a file reader version and an enhanced application version may be a version that allows the editing of a file. Typically, an enhanced application version may require more computing capability than a standard application version. Further, a user interface associated with an enhanced application version may be more extensive than a user interface associated with a standard application version. The user interface associated with an enhanced application version may display more user interface objects than a user interface associated with a standard application version. Also, the user interface of a standard application version may display user interface objects that are a subset of the user interface objects displayed by the user interface of an enhanced application version.
Fromblock 3508, themethod 3500 may continue todecision 3510 and the application management module may determine whether another application is selected. If so, themethod 3500 may return todecision step 3506 and themethod 3500 may continue as described herein.
Returning todecision 3506, if an enhanced application version is available, themethod 3500 may proceed to block 3512 and the application management module may execute the enhanced application version. Then, themethod 3500 may continue todecision 3510. Atdecision 3510, if another application is not selected, themethod 3500 may move todecision 3514.
Atdecision 3514, the application management module may determine whether the application is closed. If so, themethod 3500 may end. Conversely, if the application is not closed, themethod 3500 may proceed todecision 3516 and the application manager may determine whether the PCD is undocked. If not, i.e., the PCD remains docked, themethod 3500 may proceed to block 3518 and the application management module may continue executing the current application version. If the PCD is undocked, themethod 3500 may move todecision 3520 and the application management module may determine whether the standard application version is currently being executed or the enhanced application is currently being executed. If the standard application version is being executed, themethod 3500 may proceed to block 3518 and continue as described herein. Otherwise, if the enhanced application version is being executed, themethod 3500 may move to block 3522 and the application management module may switch the application to the standard application version. Thereafter, themethod 3500 may end.
Returning todecision 3504, if the PCD is no docked, i.e., undocked, with the PCD docking station, themethod 3500 may move directly todecision 3524 ofFIG. 36. Atdecision 3524, the application management module may determine whether a standard application version is available. If not, themethod 3500 may continue to block 3526 and the application management module may execute an enhanced application version.
Thereafter, themethod 3500 may continue todecision 3528 and the application management module may determine whether another application is selected. If so, themethod 3500 may return todecision step 3524 and themethod 3500 may continue as described herein.
Returning todecision 3524, if a standard application version is available, themethod 3500 may proceed to block 3530 and the application management module may execute a standard application version. Next, themethod 3500 may continue todecision 3528. Atdecision 3528, if another application is not selected, themethod 3500 may move todecision 3532.
Atdecision 3532, the application management module may determine whether the application is closed. If so, themethod 3500 may end. Conversely, if the application is not closed, themethod 3500 may proceed todecision 3534 and the application manager may determine whether the PCD is docked, e.g., with a PCD docking station. If not, themethod 3500 may proceed to block 3536 and the application management module may continue executing the current application version. If the PCD is docked, themethod 3500 may move todecision 3538 and the application management module may determine whether the standard application version is currently being executed or the enhanced application is currently being executed. If the enhanced application version is being executed, themethod 3500 may proceed to block 3536 and continue as described herein. Conversely, if the standard application version is being executed, themethod 3500 may move todecision 3540 and the application management module may determine whether an enhanced application version is available. If not, themethod 3500 may proceed to 3536 and continue as described herein. If an enhanced application version is available, themethod 3500 may move to block 3542 and the application management module may switch the application to the enhanced application version. Thereafter, themethod 3500 may end.
With the configuration described herein, the PCD/PCD docking station combination provides feature segmentation between the PCD and the PCD docking station. A PCD may be engaged with a PCD docking station in one of the manners described herein. For example, a PCD may be engaged with a PCD engagement mechanism, e.g., a PCD docking pocket, a PCD docking tray, or a similar mechanism. Further, dual display usage is provided, e.g., by a display in a PCD and a display in a PCD docking station. When engaged with a PCD docking station, a PCD may be charged by the PCD docking station. Moreover, seamless user interface and application transition may be provided as the PCD is docked or undocked.
In a particular aspect, user interface features may be provided when a PCD is docked or undocked. One such aspect, is a "fish-eye" bubble that may be provided across all applications displayed on the PCD. Additionally, application layer scaling may be provided. For example, a full application version may be executed when a PCD is docked and a partial application version may be executed when a PCD is undocked. Alternatively, a standard application version may be executed when a PCD is undocked and an enhanced application version may be executed when a PCD is docked. In an undocked mode, a PCD may execute less computational intensive, smaller footprint applications. In a docked mode, full functionality applications may be executed by the PCD. Whether a PCD is docked or undocked may be automatically detected and the appropriate application versions may be executed when available.
When a PCD is undocked, two low power processors may be used for small screen applications and the PCD operating system (OS). Further, two high performance processors may be used to execute larger applications when the PCD is docked with a PCD docking station. In another aspect, when the PCD is docked, one processor may be used for mouse controls and graphical user interface controls, i.e., touch screen controls; one processor may be used for shared input/output controls; one processor be used for a PCD OS; and one processor may be used for a desktop OS stored on a PCD docking station. In yet another aspect, each processor may run a different OS and framework.
A PCD docking station may be connected to a home network and when a PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, the PCD may, in turn, be connected to the home network. Moreover, data, e.g., applications, content, or a combination thereof, may be automatically backed up to a PCD docking station when a PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. A PCD docking station may include a display, a display buffer, a HDD, additional memory, LAN capabilities, WLAN capabilities, one or more USB ports, printer connections, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The PCD docking station may include a large screen application memory. A large screen application and an OS state may be retained in the PCD docking station memory when the PCD is undocked in order to enable instant-on when the PCD is again docked. A large screen application may include a browser application, a word processor application, a spreadsheet application, a presentation application, an email application, a calendar application, a video application, or a combination thereof. A small screen application may include a media player application, a phone application, a control application, or a combination thereof.
When a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station, a user can take advantage of a relatively larger display incorporated into the PCD docking station. Further, a user may use a full keyboard and mouse to access data stored in the PCD. A PCD docking station may be incorporated into a vehicle, a kiosk, a set top box, etc. and a PCD may be docked therewith.
It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, words such as "thereafter," "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps.
In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

A method of managing applications by a portable computing device, PCD, and a PCD docking station, the method comprising:
when an application is selected (3302; 3502), the application having a first application version and a second application version, wherein the second application version requires more computing capability and has a more extensive user interface than the first application version,
determining (3304; 3504), by the PCD, whether the PCD is docked or not docked with the PCD docking station;
determining (3324; 3506) whether the second application version is available when the PCD is docked;
when the PCD is docked, executing (3326; 3508) the first application version when the second application version is unavailable and executing (3330; 3512) the second application version when the second application is available;
determining (3306; 3524), the PCD, whether the first application version is available when the PCD is not docked;
when the PCD is not docked, executing (3308; 3526), by the PCD, the second application version when the first application version is unavailable and executing (3312; 3530), by the PCD, the first application version when the first application is available.
The method of claim 1, wherein the first application version is a partial application version and the second application version is a full application version, or wherein the first application version is a standard application version and the second application version is an enhanced application version.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining whether the PCD is undocked while the second application version or the first application version is executing;
determining whether the second application version or the first application version is executing; and
continuing to execute the first application version when the first application version is executing and the PCD is undocked.
The method of claim 3, further comprising:
determining whether the first application version is available when the second application version is executing; and
switching to the first application version when the first application version is available and the PCD is undocked.
A portable computing device, PCD, comprising:
means for determining, when an application is selected, the application having a first application version and a second application version, wherein the second application version requires more computing capability and has a more extensive user interface than the first application version, whether a PCD is docked or not docked with a PCD docking station;
means for determining whether the second application version is available when the PCD is docked;
means for executing the first application version when the second application version is unavailable when the PCD is docked;
means for executing the second application version when the second application is available when the PCD is docked;
means for determining whether the first application version is available when the PCD is not docked;
means for executing the second application version when the first application version is unavailable when the PCD is not docked;
means for executing the first application version when the first application is available when the PCD is not docked.
The portable computing device of claim 5, wherein the first application version is a partial application version and the second application version is a full application version, or wherein the first application version is a standard application version and the second application version is an enhanced application version.
The portable computing device of claim 5, further comprising:
means for determining whether the PCD is undocked while the second application version or the first application version is executing;
means for determining whether the second application version or the first application version is executing; and
means for continuing to execute the first application version when the first application version is executing and the PCD is undocked.
The portable computing device of claim 7, further comprising:
means for determining whether the first application version is available when the second application version is executing; and
means for switching to the first application version when the first application version is available and the PCD is undocked.
A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a portable computing device, PCD, that is dockable in a docking station, cause the PCD to perform the steps of any of the claims 1-4.